In order To Monitor Them, Electronic Bracelets Are Placed On The Feet Of Immigrants In Britain

 Britain

A human rights organization has lodged a complaint in the UK, after receiving complaints from asylum seekers who were forced to wear GPS ankle bracelets, saying they were “treated like animals”.

The UK Home Office began using GPS ankle bracelets for asylum seekers in June to track their movements while they wait for a decision on their claims.

The bracelets, which are commonly used to monitor criminals, record data about the wearer’s movements at all times. Critics accuse the government of treating people who have fled persecution as criminals.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “This harsh and punitive approach shows no empathy for vulnerable people, nor will it deter those desperately seeking to reach the UK to live in safety. 

Impact on health and relationships

Since the immigrant pilot scheme was introduced, Bail for Immigration Detainees says, the impact on asylum seekers’ mental and physical health, as well as the family relationships of asylum seekers, has been catastrophic. “They report feeling depressed and discriminated against, and many have told us they are being treated like animals,” said Rudi Schulkind, research and policy coordinator in a report by Privacy International (PI).

“Being forced to wear an ankle bracelet means observing the minute details of one’s life including what they wear, the public places they go to, and how they arrive, exercise or look after their children. The experience of continuous monitoring, seven days a week, is painful for those at risk including survivors of torture or slavery,” Schulkind said.

Migrants assured Privacy International that the use of bracelets discouraged them from going to learn English or play sports. One said, “Sometimes I just go to buy food, but I’m embarrassed for people to see the bracelet, it’s uncomfortable, but I have no other choice.”

An investigation is required!

Alarmed by what it sees as a “disruptive change in data control systems used against those subject to immigration control”, Privacy International has filed complaints with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Forensic Science Organization (FSR) against the practice of labeling immigrants.

According to the organization, currently a bracelet can be placed on anyone subject to the immigration control system, including asylum seekers. A person may be required to wear an ankle tag if they are released on bail from a detention center. The main reasons for detention are that the Home Office believes the migrant will flee, must be identified, or is about to be deported from the UK.

Location data inaccuracy

The organization is calling for an investigation into allegations of technical flaws in the electronic monitoring system, following critical reports from the National Audit Office and the independent chief inspector for borders and immigration. Immigrant organizations say the battery life is poor and must be charged several times a day, according to ComputerWeekly.

It has also been found that inaccurate location data can result in an error of 100 meters or more. Amnesty International says that migrants may be wrongly accused of breaching certain conditions, which could lead to civil and criminal penalties.

Camilla Graham Wood, director of research at the organization, said data extracted from GPS bracelets could lead to a loss of freedom and the prosecution of an individual who did nothing but was forced to wear a bracelet that did not work properly.

GPS critics say there are alternatives, such as radio frequency tags that were in use until January 2021. They also point out that the number of people released from immigration detention centers trying to escape is low. In 2020, it was just 1 percent, according to Computer Weekly.

Article written by: Marion McGregor